This introduction to oceanography text uses an interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing the discipline's connection with astronomy, physics, chemistry, meteorology, geology, biology, ecology, history, and economics. Written in a clear and compelling narrative voice, the author conveys his enthusiasm for the subject as well as presenting objective scientific fact. This text provides students with a basic understanding of the scientific questions, complexities, and uncertainties involved in ocean use and the role and importance of oceans in nurturing and sustaining life on the planet. It further enhances students' natural enthusiasm for the ocean with a stunning visual program. Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science is the number one best-selling oceanography text.

Benefits:

Focus on concepts, not details, is presented through a story that emphasizes the significance of the main point, allowing students to concentrate on the key concepts.

NEW! Expanded coverage of physical oceanography is included, giving students the appropriate balance of physical and biological oceanography.

NEW! Unique integration of satellite images throughout enhances the visual presentation of material.

NEW! Full media integration using the Earth Systems Today CD-ROM, with in-text icons and end of chapter questions correlated to the CD-ROM activities and web content, help students grasp difficult concepts by use of interactive media.

NEW! Chapter openering features, "What to Watch For," pose questions that will be answered in the chapter, alerting students to the most important ideas to be covered.

NEW! Online full bibliography allows students to pursue further information.

NEW! Extensive new art, with additional pedagogical development, enhances visual presentation of key concepts throughout. Students can see as well as read about the important concepts.

NEW! More current coverage throughout provides updated examples and information, increasing the authoritativeness of the text.

NEW! Increased emphasis on science as a process shows students the importance of the scientific process in all areas of study.

NEW! Increased coverage of comparative oceanography (other planets and moons of the solar system), allows instructors to integrate this material into their courses.

End-of-Chapter Questions, supplied by students, ask and answer the most common questions the follow a reading assignment or lecture. This provides student with an understanding of questions relevant to their lives.

Complete Internet integration. Internet icons appear on every page, making a seamless the connection between the book and the website.

Each chapter opens with a "Chapter-Opening Vignette," an attention-grabbing sea story or observation.

Compelling visual program with extensive, colorful, and pedagogical art that enhances text coverage of important concepts.

Integrated waves and tides material helps students understand the relationship of these two subjects.

Emphasis on applications, connections, and interrelationships to other fields, shows the integration of the sciences.

An appendix on the job market provides a key resource to students interested in oceanography careers.

NEW! Changes in organization: Material on Poles and Tropics (formerly found in Chap. 17) has been re-distributed into other chapters. Chapters 6 and 7 (on physics and chemistry of water) have been transposed to introduce the physical properties of water first. Greater coverage of marine communities reflects the current teaching environment. Expanded coverage of physical oceanography provides a balance of physical and biological oceanography, most notably in chapters on Plate Tectonics (Chapter 3), Continental Margins and Ocean Basins (Chapter 4), Sediments (Chapter 5), Ocean Circulation (Chapter 9), and Tsunami, Seiches, and Tides (Chapter 11).

This introduction to oceanography text uses an interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing the discipline's connection with astronomy, physics, chemistry, meteorology, geology, biology, ecology, history, and economics. Written in a clear and compelling narrative voice, the author conveys his enthusiasm for the subject as well as presenting objective scientific fact. This text provides students with a basic understanding of the scientific questions, complexities, and uncertainties involved in ocean use and the role and importance of oceans in nurturing and sustaining life on the planet. It further enhances students' natural enthusiasm for the ocean with a stunning visual program. Oceanography: An Invitation to Marine Science is the number one best-selling oceanography text.

Benefits:

Focus on concepts, not details, is presented through a story that emphasizes the significance of the main point, allowing students to concentrate on the key concepts.

NEW! Expanded coverage of physical oceanography is included, giving students the appropriate balance of physical and biological oceanography.

NEW! Unique integration of satellite images throughout enhances the visual presentation of material.

NEW! Full media integration using the Earth Systems Today CD-ROM, with in-text icons and end of chapter questions correlated to the CD-ROM activities and web content, help students grasp difficult concepts by use of interactive media.

NEW! Chapter openering features, "What to Watch For," pose questions that will be answered in the chapter, alerting students to the most important ideas to be covered.

NEW! Online full bibliography allows students to pursue further information.

NEW! Extensive new art, with additional pedagogical development, enhances visual presentation of key concepts throughout. Students can see as well as read about the important concepts.

NEW! More current coverage throughout provides updated examples and information, increasing the authoritativeness of the text.

NEW! Increased emphasis on science as a process shows students the importance of the scientific process in all areas of study.

NEW! Increased coverage of comparative oceanography (other planets and moons of the solar system), allows instructors to integrate this material into their courses.

End-of-Chapter Questions, supplied by students, ask and answer the most common questions the follow a reading assignment or lecture. This provides student with an understanding of questions relevant to their lives.

Complete Internet integration. Internet icons appear on every page, making a seamless the connection between the book and the website.

Each chapter opens with a "Chapter-Opening Vignette," an attention-grabbing sea story or observation.

Compelling visual program with extensive, colorful, and pedagogical art that enhances text coverage of important concepts.

Integrated waves and tides material helps students understand the relationship of these two subjects.

Emphasis on applications, connections, and interrelationships to other fields, shows the integration of the sciences.

An appendix on the job market provides a key resource to students interested in oceanography careers.

NEW! Changes in organization: Material on Poles and Tropics (formerly found in Chap. 17) has been re-distributed into other chapters. Chapters 6 and 7 (on physics and chemistry of water) have been transposed to introduce the physical properties of water first. Greater coverage of marine communities reflects the current teaching environment. Expanded coverage of physical oceanography provides a balance of physical and biological oceanography, most notably in chapters on Plate Tectonics (Chapter 3), Continental Margins and Ocean Basins (Chapter 4), Sediments (Chapter 5), Ocean Circulation (Chapter 9), and Tsunami, Seiches, and Tides (Chapter 11).